Scepticism, hope as Macedonia set to change its name

The "Republic of Northern Macedonia" - the proposed new name for the country once part of Yugoslavia - is meant to settle a diplomatic standoff with Greece, but will not satisfy some nationalists on either side of the border.

When it declared independence in 1991, many Greeks felt the country had hijacked their ancient cultural heritage as Macedonia is the birthplace of Alexander the Great as well as the name of a province in northern Greece.

4 Jun 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

People walk in front of the "warrior on a horse" monument, which is widely believed to depict Alexander the Great.

The new name, agreed by politicians from both countries on Tuesday, should end decades of diplomatic conflict and make it easier for Macedonia to join the European Union and NATO.

But the deal still requires ratification by the two national parliaments and a referendum in Macedonia, and not everyone is inclined to vote "yes".

3 Jun 2018. Pestani, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

Marica poses for a portrait in the village of Pestani which sits on the Ohrid lake.

"We are Macedonians and we are not interested in changing our name," said Marica, a housewife from the town of Ohrid.

"For my whole life I've been called Marica, it would be the same as if someone would force me now to change my name."

31 May 2018. Mralino, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

People travel on a bus in the village of Mralino.

"The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia" joined the United Nations in 1993, but most countries have ignored that provisional name and refer to it simply as Macedonia.

2 Jun 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

Supporters of opposition party VMRO-DPMNE hold Russian and Macedonian flag as they take part in a protest.

At a protest in Skopje on June 2, people waved Macedonian flags, and the occasional Russian one - indicating their opposition not only to the name change, but also the closer allegiance to the west that is likely to follow.

2 Jun 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

Petre poses for a for a portrait near the government building.

"I have nothing good to say about Greeks as they are only creating trouble for us," Petre, a locksmith from Skopje, told Reuters.

"We don't need to join NATO or the EU, this is not in our tradition. As an orthodox Christian, only Putin can save us."

1 Jun 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

Maja poses for a portrait.

Many Macedonians, however, welcomed the rapprochement with Greece.

"Greeks are a brotherly nation to us. If there weren't so many aggressive politicians who made this problem between us, our cooperation would be much better," said Maja Canakjevik, a musician and former general manager of the Macedonian Philharmonic.

31 May 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

Muharem poses for a portrait.

Some Macedonians believe EU and NATO membership could help the economy, others have their doubts.

Muharem, who rents out properties in an old quarter of Skopje, said: "Salaries here are about 200 euros ($235) a month, and I don't think this will change if we join NATO."

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3 Jun 2018. Ohrid, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

Trees are seen near the Church of St. John the Theologian, Kaneo in Ohrid.

3 Jun 2018. Ohrid, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

People visit the Church of St. John the Theologian, Kaneo in Ohrid.

3 Jun 2018. Trpejca, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

A man swims in the Ohrid lake in the village of Trpejca.

1 Jun 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

A couple sits on a bench at the bank of the Vardar river in central Skopje.

2 Jun 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

Police officers stand in front of the government building.

31 May 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

A Macedonian flag is pictured in front of the "warrior monument" which is widely believed to be a depiction of Philip of Macedon.

31 May 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

A girl imitates the Mother Teresa monument.

31 May 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

A man holding a child begs for money as he sings religious songs in Stara Carsija (Old Bazaar) part of central Skopje.

1 Jun 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

People sit in a bar in Stara Carsija.

1 Jun 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

A couple sits on a bench.

1 Jun 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

A man walks on the Stone Bridge over the Vardar river.

29 May 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

People gather near the banks of the Vardar river in front of the Museum of Archaeology.

1 Jun 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

Members of an orchestra perform at Macedonian Philharmonics hall.

1 Jun 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

A man closes his eyes as he listens to an orchestra performing at Macedonian Philharmonics hall.

31 May 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

A barman makes cocktails in a bar.

2 Jun 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

A supporter of opposition party VMRO-DPMNE lights a flare as he takes part in a protest over compromise solution in Macedonia's dispute with Greece over the country's name.

2 Jun 2018. Skopje, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

Supporters of opposition party VMRO-DPMNE carry a big Macedonian flag as they take part in a protest over compromise solution in Macedonia's dispute with Greece over the country's name.

3 Jun 2018. Gevgelija, Macedonia. Reuters/Marko Djurica

Macedonian soldiers patrol at the Macedonia-Greece border near Gevgelija.